The season opener against the Spurs comes with a question at center
The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin the season on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs in what projects to be a competitive clash. While the Spurs have their central situation ready Victor Vembanyama leads the wayThe Mavs have uncertainty at the position. Derek Lively II expected to start Anthony Davis could play the position in smaller lineups, and Dwight Powell is an option off the bench. However, it is Daniel Gafford game against Spurs tonight?
Gafford is dealing with a sprained left ankle. He was supposed to challenge Lively for the starting center role, but an injury kept him out of the preseason. Now Gafford’s status is in question for Wednesday’s season opener.
Head coach Jason Kidd refused to rule out Gafford last week. He felt Gafford had a chance to play — though nothing was guaranteed. So what is Gafford’s injury status for the game?
Daniel Gafford’s injury status for the Mavericks’ season opener against the Spurs
It’s Gafford currently on the suspect list due to the mentioned injury of the ankle joint, according to NBA injury report. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) are out for the season opener.
It’s worth noting that Kidd told reporters after Tuesday’s practice that Gafford is expected to be listed as questionable. However, when the injury report was officially released later Tuesday night, the center was listed as suspicious. In any case, the fact that Gafford wasn’t immediately ruled out is encouraging.
He probably won’t play except for a change to a better closer, but it looks like Gafford could be back sooner rather than later. The Mavs would love to have their reliable center duo of Gafford and Lively available early in the season.
As for whether Daniel Gafford is playing tonight against the Spurs, the answer is probably no.
2025-10-22 13:38:00
